I nodded. "It just seems like a house of cards, all of a sudden. That anything can fall at any time."

He smiled at me. "I don't think you're wrong to feel that way."

I laughed. "Gee, thanks."

"No, no." He hugged me. "My point is that this is big, but we'll figure it out. Maybe not all tonight. But we will figure it out. I won't let anything happen. Forgetting everything else, I love that kid. I'll do anything to keep him protected."

I smiled at him. "Thanks. I appreciate the support."

"You've got it. Please don't feel alone in this."

He gave my shoulder a final squeeze, and we started walking again, working out together what needed to be done next.

On Wednesday, after work, I made a plan to take Jackson to the movies and then to dinner. Toward the end of the meal, I told him about the money. As Ethan had advised — and as Sam and I discussed — I explained that he'd inherited some money from his stepfather: enough so that he could go to any college in the country, for starters, without having to worry about loans.

"And journalism school too," I said. "But first you have to get in," I joked, trying to lighten the mood.

"Wow," he said.

And, as was Jackson's style, he was contemplative, taking in the news before asking a lot more questions.

I took the opportunity to also explain that it was his money and that I would make sure it was taken care of for him. I told him how nice Ethan was, and said that he could call Ethan himself, if he liked, and talk about the best person to manage the inheritance for him.

Jackson nodded. "Do you think that's a good idea?"

I nodded. "I do. It's your money, after all. I think it's a good idea to speak with the lawyer involved and find the best way to take care of it." I paused, making sure Jackson was entirely focused so I could add the most important part. "This is a good thing, Jackson. It's a nice thing. But the way you are is the best thing. You're doing great in school, and you're excited about your writing, and you have great friends and you have Kerry. Not to mention basketball! And me! The money is just icing on top of all the great things you have and you've worked for. I think it's wisest to think of it that way, and not think of it as changing anything. You know what I mean?"

"I do."

But this was when his face dropped.

"What, honey?"

"My mother knows, doesn't she? About the money, I mean."

"Yes. Why do you ask?"

He shook his head.

"Why, Jackson?" I leaned closer. "Why did you ask that?"

"Because, out of nowhere, she called me yesterday and said she really wants me to come visit them in California this weekend. She said she would take care of the ticket, of course, and that I could even fly first class."

My heart dropped. Michelle! I wanted to scream. What are you thinking? What are you doing? What ON EARTH are you PLANNING on doing?

The words were out of my mouth before I could even think if they were the right ones to say. But I knew they were. Michelle did love him, and Jackson should know that. She, as Ethan had said, was just turning out to be a complicated person, one who didn't make love that simple a word.

Because I also knew — unquestioningly — that Michelle had ulterior motives. But that piece of the puzzle I was going to keep to myself until I could figure out how to best solve it, and keep Jackson uninjured from it.

"But I'll tell you what, Jackson," I said. "I was actually planning a trip for you and me this weekend! If that's okay with you, would you mind taking a rain check on heading out West?

His eyes lit up. "Really?"

"Really."

I had woken up this morning thinking we needed a few days out of the city, a few days of peace and quiet. This conversation had cemented it.

"Cool," Jackson said. "I'll treat!" he joked.

I laughed. "I'll tell you what. I just got a huge craving for a Ben & Jerry's Sweet Cream & Cookies ice cream cone. That can be on you." I reached across the table and squeezed his hand. "The rest is on me."

He smiled. "Fine."

"Better than fine. Excellent!" I said. "Because I'm getting a large."

He started laughing harder, and we headed out of the restaurant and toward the ice cream shop, making plans for the weekend as we went.